Lauren had her 2 week check-up today and I am in need of some breastfeeding support..

She was 8 lbs. 3 oz. when she was born, then 7 lbs. 11 oz. on discharge from the hospital and 20 inches long. Today she was 7 lbs. 10 oz. and 21 1/2 inches long. I was doing fine just counting her wet diapers and knowing that she poops dailey until I found out she has not gained any weight.. not one ounce!

What now?? Her doctor is fine with it and wants to see her back in another 2 weeks to make sure she is "catching up" but this just has me concerned and I need some support to get me through this without caving in and getting some formula. She is a happy baby. Would you suggest a pump?? Thanks for any encouragement!

By Kaye on Monday, June 6, 2005 - 07:06 pm:

No I don't suggest caving in!

She probably lost a few more ounces after she got home. That is normal!

You will know if your baby is not getting enough. When I tried with my first, she slept ALL the time, she never was awake for an entire feeding. She would suck for a couple of minutes and then crash, I could not wake her up. But when she slept, she would wake up constantly, it was a never ending cycle. Also babies who are not getting enough fluids in these first two weeks get jaundice, your doc would have noticed that.

Just keep feeding. Make sure you are feeding on demand, not a schedule. If you get extra worried you could pump one breast while feeding from the other and then feed that bottle later in the day. But that is a touch game. Breast feeding is all about supply and demand, if you start pumping you will start producing more milk, if it isn't something you intend to do, then I wouldn't start. I did use a pump. I reccommend the medela brand, I had a couple of different ones, this one was SO nice. It was a small battery operated one (i think I paid about 75 dollars).

A happy baby is a good sign that you are doing things right! Hang in there!

By Trina~moderator on Monday, June 6, 2005 - 09:14 pm:

{{{HUGS}}} Ditto Kaye. I wouldn't worry too much if your doctor isn't concerned. Keep up the good work. You can do it!

By My2cuties on Monday, June 6, 2005 - 09:35 pm:

Thanks gals! I really appreciate it..and needed that encouragement.

By Dawnk777 on Monday, June 6, 2005 - 11:09 pm:

It took both of my kids three weeks to gain back their birth weight. They were both a little short, at that 2-week checkup. Sarah gained 22 ounces that next week. They have a growth spurt at about 2 weeks of age.

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 06:19 am:

Here's the link to La Leche League, which has provided support for breastfeeding mothers for decades: http://www.lalecheleague.org/bfinfo.html

With the doctor not being concerned, and a happy baby, I wouldn't worry (that is, no more than any mother of any infant worries - which is, of course, a lot). Check out what La Leche says and see if there is a support group or contact person near you.

By Missmudd on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 10:38 am:

I wouldnt worry either, if you decide to buy a pump, be sure that it isnt a manual one, they kill your hands

By Rayanne on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 10:47 am:

I don't think that you have anything to worry about. As long as she is happy and healthy, I would say that she is fine.

I agree with Kristin, don't buy a manual one. Mine didn't work, but I also had other problems too.

By Unschoolmom on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 11:59 am:

Formula has no more calories than breastmilk and would offer your child nothing more.

Your daughter just has her own growth pattern and as long as she's happy and healthy, don't worry.

By Ginny~moderator on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 01:43 pm:

I would definitely NOT use formula until and unless your doctor tells you to. Unfortunately, from what I have read, formula tastes sweeter and babies who are offered formula if they don't readily take the breast often prefer it and then entirely refuse to take the breast.

By Lauram on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 02:22 pm:

Keep feeding. It's good that she is not losing weight. That's what my kids did. Count those diapers and feed on demand. Didn't you post about her eating alot. It looks like she needs to eat! If you are really concerned, sometimes you can just bring her to get her weight checked. I know I had to have a nurse come to my house daily to weigh my kids (mine were both dehydrated and ended up being hospitalized). I know this drill very well! It sounds like she's fine- just keep her eating!

By Children03 on Tuesday, June 7, 2005 - 03:04 pm:

I thought babies lose weight in the fist week or two being home anyway. I was always told that they may weigh a little less than they did at birth so it's normal not to gain weight in those first two weeks. As long as she is having wet diapers and everything, it sounds normal.